Louisa County Conservation was awarded $166,400 in grant monies from Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP). This money will be used to purchase a 40-acre tract of native, remnant prairie on Muscatine Island in Louisa County. This is thought to be a virgin prairie, never plowed, tilled or planted. The area has been hayed and grazed during that time. Louisa County Conservation is hoping to work to increase biodiversity in the area and protect its historic and ecological significance. In the past 30 years, Louisa County has received more than $1 million in REAP funds.